High-voltage arc erosion behavior and mechanism of Ti3AlC2 under different ambient atmospheres

The arc erosion behavior of Ti3AlC2 in oxygen, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, and sulfur hexafluoride atmospheres at 9 kV voltage was studied. The breakdown strength increased in the order of oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and sulfur hexafluoride, whereas the arc energy decreased. Cracks, pits, and bulges on the eroded surface were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) laser confocal scanning microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the composition of the eroded surface. The arc energy and electromagnetic force lead to the formation of erosion characteristics. The mechanism of erosion under the different atmospheres is discussed systematically, and is called the “decomposition-oxidation” process in oxygen, air, and carbon dioxide and the “decomposition-rereaction” process in nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride. This study provides a reference for the application of MAX phase materials in high-voltage electrical appliances.